Cody Rhodes, the son of wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes, has become a prominent figure in the wrestling world. Despite his wrestling lineage, his path to success was far from simple. Through dedication, hard work, and sacrifice, Cody earned prestige and popularity both in and out of the ring. However, many are also intrigued by his iconic tattoo. 

His journey to stardom began in 2016 when he left WWE and set himself apart as one of the industry’s top talents. Rhodes’ distinctive tattoos further set him apart from his peers. Let’s take a closer look at his ink.

Cody Rhodes’ highlights his ambitions with dream tattoo

On the right side of Cody Rhodes’ chest lies a tattoo that simply reads “Dream.” It’s not just ink on skin; it’s a heartfelt tribute to his late father, the legendary wrestler Dusty Rhodes. He was famously known as The American Dream. This tattoo serves as a perpetual reminder of his father’s enduring legacy and the unfulfilled aspiration that his father, Dusty Rhodes, could never quite grasp – winning the WWE Championship. But when did he get the tattoo you wonder?

In 2016, Cody chose to etch a second “Dream” tattoo on his right chest, paying homage to his father’s iconic “American Dream” persona. Following his father’s passing in 2015, Cody took upon himself the responsibility of carrying forward his father’s remarkable legacy. Positioned close to his heart, the Dream tattoo stands as a symbol of Cody’s deep love for his father. He also has an unwavering commitment to continue his extraordinary journey. 

To realize this dream, Cody made the tough decision to step away from WWE for a considerable period. During this time, he underwent a remarkable transformation. Ultimately establishing himself as one of the most deserving talents in the wrestling world. He’s now well on his way to fulfilling his father’s dream of capturing the World Championship in WWE.

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For Cody Rhodes, the dream tattoo represents more than just a piece of body art; it’s a powerful symbol of his love for his father and his unwavering determination. The determination to carry forward his father’s extraordinary legacy. As the American Nightmare, he proudly wears this tattoo, honoring his father’s illustrious career and the indelible mark he left on the world of wrestling.

The ink-spiration behind Rhodes’ neck tattoo

Cody Rhodes’ now-famous neck tattoo, featuring his American Nightmare logo, made its debut at the AEW Revolution 2020 pay-per-view on February 29, causing quite a buzz. When asked about the inspiration behind it during a Twitter Q&A, Cody mentioned being influenced by two individuals who incorporated their brand into their bodies. 

Rhodes replied to a tweet saying, “I don’t really know 😂 There were 2 guys that really inspired me, one had a chest tat and the other had the iconic bull on his arm…at the time I just wanted to wear my own brand as loudly and proudly as I could but didn’t want to copy their style”

While he didn’t name them, one could speculate that the bull on an arm might allude to The Rock. He is also known for his ‘Brahma Bull’ insignia. The chest tattoo reference could include wrestlers like Brock Lesnar, who sports a chest and torso tattoo. 

Did you also know that Rhodes’ wife doesn’t like his tattoo? In the aftermath of the 2020 event, Brandi Rhodes didn’t mince words. She expressed her opinion straightforwardly: “I don’t like it. I’ve said it, there it is.”

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Despite drawing criticism and being used in opponent’s promos, Cody’s tattoo has also inspired others to get similar ink. WWE even sold temporary tattoos featuring the American Nightmare logo. What do you think about Rhodes’ tattoos? Do you love the inspiration behind the dream tattoo? Let us know in the comments below.